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Glue Quick Tips




Using the right glue for your paper crafts can make the difference between a successful project and a dud. I know we get excited about our projects and want to get to the end without the frustration of waiting for the glue to dry. But really, using the right glue, the right way can make all the difference in the world.

We will be talking just about paper crafts here, so if you are looking for something on other crafts, check out Pinterest.

For crafting with paper, the best glue will always be the glue that is the thiniest with the fastest drying time. The more or heavier the glue, the more likely you will get buckling in your end result.(that means that your paper will not lay flat).

  • Keep one of those round jar openers from your kitchen to in your craft room. It is perfect to open glues and paints that might be stuck
  • Wipe the tip of the glue tube with lotion using a tissue. It prevents it from sticking.
  • Store bottles of glue upside down in a jar. You are ready to use without waiting.

Liquid Glues

Basic White  PVA Glue- 

This is the basic white glue that we all know and use frequently, There are also glues that come as acid free white glues that will not darken or yellow as they age. They are translucent glues that are used in a wide range of products.

It is water soluble so it can be thinned down for projects like decoupage. They can also be used for projects like cards and scrapbooks, but you need to be careful and have a light hand applying it. It can cause card stock to warp if applied too heavy.
  • Use a brush to apply for more even coating. 
  • If you are down to the last of the glue in your bottle, try microwaving the bottle for about 10 seconds. It will help you get the last of the glue

Decoupage Mediums

Probably the most common medium in this catagory that comes to mond is Mod Podge. It tends to be a little thinner than other white glues and it has sealing properties. It comes in a whole lot of finishes,

Hot Glue Guns

More than likely if you are a crafter, then you are familiar with hot glue guns. They generally plug into an outlet, but there are some that are cordless.

Glue Gun Tips

  • If you do not have a glue gun stand, a binder clip will hold it up off your surface. You can also use a metal cake pan. Another idea is to lay it on a clay pot saucer.An old tile piece will work too.
  • Let the glue warm up before you try to use it. About 5 minutes should be good. 
  • Only use a low temp glue gin on strofoam

Getting Rid Of Glue Strings

  • Try putting your glue sticks in the freezer before using them.
  • Keep the glue gun as close to the object you are gluing as you can to avoid strings

Do Not Get Burnt

  • Use bandaids, gloves or a metal thimble to protect your fingers
  • Don't use your finger to press down on a glue stick, use another glue stick to push against it.
  • Keep a bowl of ice water near by just in case

Glue Dots

I have to confess that I love glue dots ! There is no drying time and they are perfect for card making and scrapbooking. They give a slightly raised area where you have adhered your item.

  • To use them correctly, take the base material or paper and pick up the dot off the roll, where you intend to place the decoration piece. Then just place the item on the glue dot. Press gently.
  • They come in removeable. semi-removeable and permanent dots
  • They stick well to paper, plastic , glass, metal and vinyl

Glue Pen

This is like a ball point pen, that has glue instead of ink. It dispenses a very fine line of glue. It it especially useful for gluing letters and words to paper.

Glue Sticks  


Glue sticks are a lipstick kind of container. The stick of glue goes up and down much like a lipstick would. They come in different sizes and containers.
They are good for adhering paper to card stock. Ans good in scrapbooks if they are acid free.

The nice thing about glue sticks is that they dry flat if they are applied correctly. Do not press hard on the paper or you may get a glop of glue. Light hand is better to get an even flat application.

 They are water based and dry clear. However, the problem with this adhesive is that they do not adhere seriously anything other than paper.

Spray Glue
Thus glue is great if you need a large area glue, The downside to this product is that it has to be used outdoors or in a very well ventilated room. 

Tacky Glues

Is a little thicker than other white glues. It does not run and has a lot of unique applications. The nice thing about tacky glue is that is bonds to paper very quickly, It generally has a precision tip. Paper does not wrinkle and it dries clear.

Storing Glue

  • Keep glue sticks in the freezer.It helps prevent stringing bands when using it
  • Wipe the tip of the glue with some skin lotion using a tissue. It prevents stringing
  • Store glue upside down. The glue will be ready to go when you are.
  • Keep the cover on your glue when not using it. Tighten the cover when finished.
  • Always keep glue at room temperature.
  • Before putting the glue away, squeeze any air out of the container. Air causes the glue to cure or even harden over time.


Getting The Most From Our Glue

  • Microwave wet glues for 10 seconds. It will help get the last of the glue out of the container.

Glitter Glue

It is not really a glue in the truest sense, but it is a type of clear glue with glitter in it that is used more for decorating

Hot Glue Guns

More than likely if you are a crafter, then you are familiar with hot glue guns. They generally plug into an outlet, but there are some that are cordless. The gun applies glue that is in a stick. When heated by the glue gun, the heat melts the stick. When it sets, it becomes solid. 

 The only problem with it is that once set, the solid glue is not bendable. Since it is rigid, it may crack if it is bent or flexed. 

 It is good for applying fabric and ribbon to homemade cards. 

Glue Gun Tips

  • If you do not have a glue gun stand, a binder clip will hold it up off your surface. You can also use a metal cake pan. Another idea is to lay it on a clay pot saucer.An old tile piece will work too.
  • Let the glue warm up before you try to use it. About 5 minutes should be good. 
  • Only use a low temp glue gin on strofoam

Getting Rid Of Glue Strings

  • Try putting your glue sticks in the freezer before using them.
  • Keep the glue gun as close to the object you are gluing as you can to avoid strings

Do Not Get Burnt

  • Use bandaids, gloves or a metal thimble to protect your fingers
  • Don't use your finger to press down on a glue stick, use another glue stick to push against it.
  • Keep a bowl of ice water near by just in case


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